In the general elections that ushered in the Republic, Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) emerged as (Executive) President and Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) emerged as the second strongest presidential candidate.
Na ntuli aka niile emere na ọchịchị onye kwuo uche ya, Shehu Shagari nke otu mba Naịjirịa (NPN) pụtara dị ka (Ezekutiv) onye isi ala na Obafemi Awolowo nke otu njịkọ Naịjirịa (UPN) pụtara dịka onye ntuli aka nke abụọ.